US President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine both want to reach an agreement to end the war but do not know how to achieve it. He urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to focus on securing a peace deal rather than discussing an agreement involving Russian diesel supplies.
Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to reach an agreement, adding, “We have to convince Zelensky to make it happen.” He also stressed the need for a direct meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents to bring the ongoing war to an end.
Trump Calls for a Settlement and an End to Violations
The US president reiterated the need for a settlement to the war in Ukraine, pointing to reported ceasefire violations by both sides as efforts continue to reach an understanding on halting military operations.
Trump’s remarks followed his announcement of an understanding with Putin during a phone call concerning Russian diesel supplies. According to the US announcement, the arrangement included the immediate delivery of more than 300,000 tons, with additional quantities expected in November.
Following the announcement, the US Treasury Department issued a temporary license allowing Russian diesel to be supplied to global markets.
Zelensky Criticizes the Diesel Arrangement
Zelensky criticized the agreement, arguing that concessions or what he described as gifts to the Russian president would not bring peace. He also questioned what benefit the arrangement would provide to the international community.
The Kremlin, meanwhile, said Russia had reaffirmed its readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to US and global markets. It added that the two presidents had agreed to continue communications.
Uncertainty Surrounds Energy Ceasefire
Trump had previously announced what he described as an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said discussions concerning the proposed truce were continuing, without officially confirming Moscow’s acceptance of the announced agreement.
Peskov also rejected Zelensky’s proposal for a 60-day ceasefire to allow presidential elections to be held, saying Russia was seeking a comprehensive and long-term peace agreement.
The Kremlin spokesman added that Putin was prepared to issue instructions suspending attacks on Ukraine for election day alone, should Kyiv decide to hold a vote.
The conflicting statements highlight the continuing differences between Moscow and Kyiv over the terms of a ceasefire and the shape of a political settlement, as Washington seeks to move both sides toward ending the war.
